Freshmen at Coronado High School (CHS) currently face restrictions that prevent them from leaving campus during lunch.
Despite these rules, it has been observed that many students take the initiative to sneak off to popular spots like Panera, Starbucks, and Vons.
Administrators and students alike acknowledge that this behavior is widespread, leading to a discussion of possibly revising the board policy limiting off-campus lunch access.
During the May 22 school board meeting, Principal Karin Mellina, alongside two high school students, proposed an open campus lunch policy that would grant all high schoolers the freedom to leave during lunch hours.
“Freshmen come to our campus with the hope of having more freedom as ninth graders,” Mellina stated, emphasizing the natural transition that includes not only academic growth but also increased liberty such as the option to leave campus for lunch.
However, Trustee Scot Youngblood clarified that the original intent behind the closed-campus policy wasn’t to punish students but to encourage new freshmen—many of whom are unfamiliar with the district—to forge friendships through on-campus activities.
Unfortunately, the enthusiasm for these lunchtime activities seems to have dwindled over the school year.
ASB member Monica Laguna recalled that although various initiatives like popsicle giveaways and games were initially successful, student interest waned as they settled into their established friend groups.
“We did so much planning, but as the year went on, many of the freshmen had already found their friend group and were no longer interested in searching for new connections,” Laguna remarked.
ASB President Dylan Matter echoed this sentiment, noting that the initial excitement for on-campus lunch offerings has since declined significantly, with attendance dropping to as few as four students participating by year’s end.
One of Principal Mellina’s significant concerns is the administration’s challenge in enforcing the closed campus policy.
With multiple egress points available, it becomes increasingly difficult to monitor students effectively.
“It is challenging with only three administrators on duty,” Mellina explained, highlighting the cleverness of students finding ways around the rules.
This dynamic has created an atmosphere where students feel guilty for evading the guidelines, leading to uncomfortable encounters with teachers.
“Some of our great kids feel during these moments that they are undermining authority; they walk back to campus with their heads hung low, hiding from us,” Mellina said.
The principal proposed the idea of allowing freshmen to leave campus during lunch, with the condition that this privilege could be revoked if the students accumulate three or more tardies for the third-period class that follows lunch.
Superintendent Karl Mueller supported this suggestion and advised that staff could bring forth a revised board policy incorporating these recommendations for a discussion in June.
Trustee Fitz Lee expressed support for the new policy but urged students to consider their peers who might feel left out during lunchtime activities.
“Look for those freshmen who might be sitting out when everyone else is heading out for lunch, and invite them along,” said Lee.
In addition to updates surrounding the lunch policy, the district also provided information on the advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives.
Megan Battle, the CUSD Director of Learning, informed attendees that the district aims to establish a safe AI platform by the beginning of the next school year.
“AI is here to stay, and we regard it as an essential tool that must be used responsibly,” Battle remarked.
The AI committee, consisting of 23 representatives from different areas within the district, has set several key objectives.
These include the recommendation of a closed-system AI platform, the formulation of a CUSD AI Guidebook, and the development of a professional learning plan, all aimed at supporting responsible AI usage within the school community.
Battle mentioned that MagicSchool has emerged as a potential AI platform which the district is planning to pilot.
By this upcoming fall, they intend to introduce their comprehensive AI policy, implementation plan, and guidebook to ensure a structured and safe environment for AI integration.
Additionally, CUSD recognized its outstanding educators during the meeting.
The board celebrated the 2024-2025 Certificated Staff Members of the Year for their dedication and commitment to student education.
Honorees included Gina Mirtallo from Silver Strand Elementary, Rachel Bevilacqua from Village Elementary, Matthew Smith from Coronado Middle, and Nancy McGreevy from CHS, who achieved the accolade of District Teacher of the Year.
The meeting also featured an impressive performance by Linda Kullmann and her Advanced Performing Arts and Coronado Middle School Choir students, who showcased “Dream On.”
This performance marked a bittersweet farewell, as Kullmann prepares to retire from her role at the district.
Other agenda items included the approval of the CUSD 2024-2025 School Plans for Student Achievement and the DoDEA scholarships for students in the study abroad program.
Megan Battle provided an overview of the math curriculum during a learning department report, and the board acknowledged a “first read” of new teen health instructional materials for Coronado Middle School physical education classes.
These materials will be accessible for public review.
The next regularly scheduled board meeting is set for Thursday, June 5 at 4 PM.
image source from：https://coronadotimes.com/news/2025/05/26/chs-explores-off-campus-lunch-option-for-freshmen-district-updates-community-on-a-i-initiatives/
